BERLIN (AP) -- A new poll finds that a large majority of Germans back the government's decision to phase out nuclear power and switch to renewable energies within a decade, despite rising electricity bills.

The poll for German news magazine Focus published Sunday found that 72 percent continue to support the country's energy switchover. Only 24 percent were opposed to the policy.

Germany's grid operators announced earlier this month that a surcharge on households' electricity prices financing the expansion of renewable energies will increase by 47 percent starting in January. A typical family of four will then have to pay about (EURO)250 ($325) per year on top of their bill.

Polling agency Forsa surveyed 1,000 people this week. Focus did not provide the poll's margin of error.